Latest news with #IndependencePoliceDepartment
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Independence police chief on leave, fires back at ‘baseless rumors' in FOX4 interview
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman is speaking out Thursday, June 5, to give his side of the story amid swirling rumors about his recent leave from the department. In a revealing interview with FOX4, Dustman categorically denied allegations tied to an incident during National Police Week and emphasized his commitment to the job he loves. Bomb Squad removes grenade from Independence cemetery Since May 23, Chief Dustman has been off the job, stepping away to address 'personal issues.' 'I have personal issues going on. I've decided to take time. I've gone through a rough couple of years with the department and the loss we've had,' he said when asked about the reasons for his leave. 'With the addition of personal issues, now is the time to take some time away to focus on being the best me I can be and the best dad I can be for my boys.' FOX4 confirmed through public records and the chief himself that his wife, Sarah Dustman, filed for divorce at the end of March. However, personal challenges aren't the heart of the controversy. The controversy centers on an event during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., which began on Sunday, May 11. Chief Dustman represented the Independence Police Department as the name of fallen officer Cody Allen was added to the National Fallen Officer Memorial. It was following that solemn event that rumors began to circulate. Some claim the chief went out with colleagues, got so intoxicated he had to be carried to his hotel, and was even kicked out of a bar or involved in a fight. Dustman, however, vehemently denies these claims. Woman arrested & charged with murdering pregnant woman, unborn child on Christmas Eve 2023 The only truth he says is that he went out after hours with fellow officers. Despite his denials, a high-level source confirmed to FOX4 that the incident has prompted, or will prompt, an internal affairs investigation. Chief Dustman says he welcomes the probe and insists his leave of absence has nothing to do with it. In the meantime, Deputy Chief Jason Petersen is leading the department. Dustman says he has full confidence in Petersen and the team to keep things running smoothly. 'I am 100% up for the job. I love this job, it's literally, outside of my kiddos, the single greatest accomplishment of my life,' Dustman responded when asked if he's still up for the job. 'I'm proud to serve this city and the men and women of this police department each and every day. That will never change.' He also expressed concern about someone leaking highly personal information within the department, but said he does not know who is responsible. Person waiting for bus in critical condition after being hit by car Chief Dustman says he is focusing on his sons during this time away and expects to return to headquarters in early July. FOX4 has reached out to the city and the department for comment and is awaiting their response. Stay tuned to FOX4 for the latest updates and developments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Serious injuries reported in crash on US Highway 24: Police
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Independence Police Department says four people are in the hospital after a head-on crash on US Highway 24. IPD says that around 11 a.m. this morning, May 25, a Ford Fusion was heading eastbound on the highway when it crossed lanes and struck a GMC Sierra head-on. 1 dead, 2 injured in shooting outside of Kansas City business The driver of the Ford was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Three occupants of the GMC were also taken to the hospital, but police did not specify the severity of their injuries. IPD says that the westbound lanes of US-24 were closed for several hours as the scene was investigated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
19-year-old hit by car while riding bike across US 24 in Independence
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A 19-year-old was hit by a car Tuesday night while riding a bike across U.S. 24 Highway in Independence, Missouri. The Independence Police Department said the crash happened around 7:33 p.m. when the bicyclist was crossing U.S. 24 to get from Dover Drive to Concord Circle on the other side of the highway. 'I've never been more scared': KC metro man recalls harrowing encounter with tornado As the bicyclist was crossing U.S. 24, the IPD said the 19-year-old was hit by the driver of a 2007 Ford Focus that was driving west on the highway. Police said the 19-year-old was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The bicyclist was not wearing any type of safety equipment at the time of the crash, according to police. The driver of the Ford Focus remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation, police said. Graduate featured on FOX4 16 years ago after cochlear implant surgery says thank you The westbound lanes of U.S. 24 were closed for a little more than an hour on Tuesday night. Police said the crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man killed outside Independence home Tuesday night; police investigate
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Independence Police Department is investigating after a man was shot and killed outside a home late Tuesday night. The shooting call came in just before midnight on North High Street near East Jones Road. Woman shot and killed in Midtown Tuesday night, police say When police officers arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds lying in a driveway, according to a Facebook post from the police department on Wednesday. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released. Police said they are investigating the man's death as a homicide. No arrests have been announced. The police department said Wednesday that it believes the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public. The investigation was ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged in Independence bar shooting that left a security guard injured
A man has been charged with his involvement in an Independence shooting during a Cinco de Mayo celebration where one security guard was injured. Mekai G. Kelly-James faces one count of assault in the first degree, two counts of armed criminal action, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, according to a Jackson County news release. Independence police were called around 8:45 p.m. to the Patio816, at 19700 E. Valley View Parkway, on reports of gunfire. There they found two security guards allegedly holding Kelly-James in front of a restaurant, according to the release. Kelly-James was allegedly kicked out of the establishment after a fight inside involving him and other patrons. He then allegedly grabbed a firearm and opened fire in the air and towards security officers. Security staff returned fire, according to the release, and one member of the security staff sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was able to disarm and detain Kelly-James. At least 75 shell casings were found at the scene. Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson said in the release that the weapon had been reported stolen and modified to function like an automatic weapon. 'Weapons like these have no place in Jackson County and we will continue to prosecute those who use them to endanger our community,' Johnson said in the release Police are asking anyone with video footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 816-474-8477 or Independence Police Department's gun squad at 816-325-7330. Kelly-James is being held without bond. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
